A FINE GOLD AND ENAMEL MOUNTED HARDSTONE HANDLE IN SHAPE OF AN ELEPHANT'S HEAD

Description:

St. Petersburg, 1908-17
H. 8 cm
A finely carved elephant’s head in dark brown hardstone, probably jasper, with two small, gold-set ruby cabochons for eyes. Gold mounting ‘En-Deux-Couleurs’ with white translucent enamel on an engraved background, surrounded by gold appliqués in the shape of bows set with rubies. Kokoshnik hallmark with 56 (Zolotnik) and Alpha, as well as the Fabergé master craftsman’s mark H.W. for Henrik Wigstroem. Trunk restored in one place. Total weight approx. 112g.
North German private collection
We are grateful to Alexander von Solodkoff for his expert advice